Followers

Monday, May 23, 2011

Christopher Cross back with studio release

Back in January '08, I caught Christopher Cross do a short set during NAMM at the Anaheim Convention Center. He was playing in the Taylor Guitar Room and I was impressed at how his voice still retained the same sweet quality as decades ago.

This past spring, the film remake of "Arthur," starring Russell Brand, featured a new version of Cross' "Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)" by Fitz & the Tantrums, which reminded many people of the sublime original.

The new album is smooth "sailing" all the way, with an appearance by Eric Johnson and bass guitar from frequent Melissa Etheridge band member Mark Browne. Read more about a very special guest vocal reunion in the press release below...

The voice rides high. Melodic. Beautiful. Everything everybody ever loved about Christopher Cross is on display in the 13 exquisite tracks of Doctor Faith, now available through Eagle Rock Entertainment (via earMusic). It marks the first all-new studio offering from Christopher Cross in 12 years.

Thirty-one years, five Grammys and an Oscar later, Doctor Faith is a dramatic return. His songwriting has never been sharper, more observant. His singing is better than it’s ever been. The production, for the first time, is guitar-oriented, rather than keyboard-oriented. Michael McDonald is on hand to give voice to the title character.

“This album not only feels like a new chapter to my career,” says Cross, “it feels like starting a whole new book.” Cross has dedicated the album to Joni Mitchell “for a lifetime of inspiration.”

Influenced by Mitchell’s idiosyncratic way with a lyric line, and the guts to delve deep, Cross, and long time songwriting partner Rob Meurer, have written some songs sure to be instant classics. Opener “Hey Kid” lays it all out:optimistic yet cautious, forward-thinking yet imbued with a world-weary voice-of-experience, it sets the tone for such profundities as “I’m Too Old For This,” “Poor Man’s Ecstasy,” “Still I Resist” and the title track. One of the recurring themes of the album is the search for peace by making peace within one’s self.

Cross landed loud and large on the music scene in 1980, winning the Grammy for “Best New Artist.”“Sailing” and “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)” were both #1s, the latter co-written with Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager, and the late Peter Allen. Cross charted eight times between 1980 and 1983. He has eight albums to his credit, as well as a number of other packages. Through it all, he’s maintained his high level of excellence, also singing, writing and performing with other artists.